Cruise around Malta's Harbours and Creeks from Sliema
Overview
This 90-minute scenic cruise is the perfect introduction to the city of Valletta, the capital city of Malta, and its surroundings.
Enjoy a scenic cruise around the two natural harbours of Malta, the majestic Valletta Grand Harbour and the Marsamxett Harbour.
Set sail from Sliema Ferries and take in the views of some of Malta's most iconic landmarks from the sea. Relax as you cruise by impressive harbours, historic fortifications, various creeks, the renowned 'Three Fortified Cities' of Vittoriosa, Cospicua, and Senglea, busy dockyards, marinas, bastions, and much more. Listen to the audio commentary to uncover the history of Valletta and its surrounding locations.
Thanks to the numerous creeks around Valletta, you can enjoy unique views of the city without the heavy crowds.
The duration of this cruise is approximately 90 minutes.
Gallery
What's Included
✓ Included
- Sightseeing cruise
- Audio commentary over a PA system
✗ Not Included
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Guide
- Food and drinks
Itinerary
1
Stop 1
We depart from Sliema Ferries and cruise through Sliema Creek. Sliema Creek is a very busy waterway, with harbour cruise boats operating from it that are constantly plying in and out with tourists. The advantage of mooring on this jetty is that it's located at the centre of Sliema, a very busy area with all kinds of shops, restaurants, bars, etc., which is a short walk from the jetty; therefore, before or after the trip, one can enjoy a walk along the beautiful promenade, have a meal or a coffee in the many eateries in the area, or browse through the many shops located at the centre of Sliema.
2
Stop 2
Passing by Manoel Island. Manoel Island, formerly known as Bishop's Island or the Isolotto, is a small island that forms part of the municipality of Gżira in Marsamxett Harbour, Malta. It is named after the Portuguese Grand Master António Manoel de Vilhena, who built a fort on the island in the 1720s. Manoel Island is a low, rather flat hill, shaped roughly like a leaf. It is located in the middle of Marsamxett Harbour, with Lazzaretto Creek to its south and Sliema Creek to its north. The island is connected to mainland Malta by a bridge. The whole island can be viewed from the bastions of the capital, Valletta.
3
Stop 3
Passing through Lazzaretto Creek. The Lazzaretto is a former quarantine facility and hospital on Manoel Island. It is a complex of various buildings dating back to the 17th and 19th centuries. Most of the structures still exist, although they are in a bad state due to damage sustained during World War II and over 30 years of abandonment. It is planned that the Lazzaretto be restored.
4
Stop 4
Passing by the beautiful Manoel Island Yacht Marina.
5
Stop 5
Passing through Ta' Xbiex Creek.
6
Stop 6
Passing through Msida Creek. On entering Marsamxett Harbour, straight from the entrance is Msida Creek. Msida Creek is easy to distinguish by the breakwater on the starboard side of its entrance.
7
Stop 7
Passing through Pieta Creek.
8
Stop 8
Passing by the battlements and imposing fortifications surrounding Valletta.
9
Stop 9
Passing by the battlements and imposing fortifications surrounding Floriana.
10
Stop 10
Passing by the imposing Valletta Grand Harbour. Malta’s majestic Grand Harbour is one of the most spectacular ports in the world. A wide stretch of water separating the capital city of Valletta from the historic towns of Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua, the harbour has been a hive of activity for over two thousand years. With its imposing fortifications and vast panorama, the Grand Harbour is Malta’s principal maritime gateway and a popular port-of-call for ships that are cruising the Med.
11
Stop 11
Passing by the Marsamxett Harbor. Marsamxett Harbour, historically also referred to as Marsamuscetto, is a natural harbour located to the north of the larger Grand Harbour. The harbour is generally more dedicated to leisure use than the Grand Harbour.
12
Stop 12
Passing through the Menqa and Marsa Creeks and the inner basin of the Malta Ship Building Yard.
13
Stop 13
Passing through the French and the Dockyard Creeks.
14
Stop 14
Passing by Cospicua, one of the fortified cities that make up the popular historical area known as "The Three Cities". The Three Cities is a collective description of the three fortified cities of Cospicua, Vittoriosa, and Senglea. These cities can rightly claim to be the cradle of Maltese history, as Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua have provided a home and fortress to almost every person who settled on the islands. Their harbour inlets have been in use since Phoenician times, with the docks always providing a living for local people but also leaving them vulnerable when Malta’s rulers were at war. As the first home to the Knights of St. John, the Three Cities’ palaces, churches, forts, and bastions are far older than Valletta’s.
15
Stop 15
Passing by Senglea, one of the fortified cities that make up the popular historical area known as "The Three Cities". The Three Cities is a collective description of the three fortified cities of Cospicua, Vittoriosa, and Senglea. These cities can rightly claim to be the cradle of Maltese history, as Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua have provided a home and fortress to almost every person who settled on the islands. Their harbour inlets have been in use since Phoenician times, with the docks always providing a living for local people but also leaving them vulnerable when Malta’s rulers were at war. As the first home to the Knights of St. John, the Three Cities’ palaces, churches, forts, and bastions are far older than Valletta’s.
16
Stop 16
Passing by Vittoriosa, one of the fortified cities that make up the popular historical area known as "The Three Cities". The Three Cities is a collective description of the three fortified cities of Cospicua, Vittoriosa, and Senglea. These cities can rightly claim to be the cradle of Maltese history, as Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua have provided a home and fortress to almost every person who settled on the islands. Their harbor inlets have been in use since Phoenician times, with the docks always providing a living for local people but also leaving them vulnerable when Malta’s rulers were at war. As the first home to the Knights of St. John, the Three Cities’ palaces, churches, forts, and bastions are far older than Valletta’s.
17
Stop 17
Passing through Kalkara Creek. This is the second creek to the port side on entering the Grand Harbour. There is a very picturesque village overlooking the bay.
18
Stop 18
Passing through Rinella Creek. This is the first creek to port side on entering Grand Harbour. There is a small, sandy beach at the extreme end.
19
Stop 19
Return to Sliema Ferries.
Meeting & End Point
📍
Meeting Point
The boat departs from Sliema Ferries, Triq Ix-Xatt, Sliema. The departure point is near the Ferries 4 bus stop.
🏁
End Point
The boat departs from Sliema Ferries, Triq Ix-Xatt, Sliema. The departure point is near the Ferries 4 bus stop.
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Good to Know
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Not recommended for travellers who are prone to sea sickness.
Known For:
Special Instructions
• The boat departs from this location: Luzzu Cruises, Sliema Ferries, Ferries 4 (near Ferries 4 bus stop), Triq Ix-Xatt, Sliema.
• When you arrive at this location, you need to look for one of these boats: "Helena G" or "Antonia", the trip will be done on one of these vessels. Both boats also have "Luzzu Cruises" written on one of their sides.
• When you arrive at the departure location, you need to look for the boat that has "Luzzu Cruises" written on it.
• It is suggested that you arrive at the departure location at least 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time.
• The boat cannot wait for late arrivals.
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